ROMANI | Queen Victoria's Journals

During the winter months of late 1836 - early 1837, Lady Victoria, who was set to become Queen of England later the same year in June 1837, wintered at Claremont House in Esher, Surry (UK) which at the time was part of the Royal estate, bought by the British Nation by an Act of Parliment as a wedding present for George IV's daughter Princess Charlotte and her husband Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coberg.

During her stay, on an almost daily basis Victoria would go out walking around the grounds and surrounding area with her advisor and companion, Baroness Louise Lehzen, and in early December 1836 she would chance upon an encampment of Cooper Gypsies who would not only have a profound effect upon her life, but also change her view of the people who at the time were widely considered rogues, tramps and vagabonds.

What follows is a direct transcription and snapshot in time of those few months in 1836/37, outlining Victorias interactions with the Cooper's in her own words, as she wrote them in the pages of her journal ...

Please Note: Many volumes of Queen Victorias Journals exist covering a period of several years but only those select diary entries that relate to, or directly mention the Coopers, are included here for reference. These are reproduced with the very kind permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II but if you wish to read Queen Victoria's Journals in full, please follow this link - www.queenvictoriasjournals.org.

Saturday, 3rd December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at a little before 8am.

Read in the Exposition and in 'Clive's life' while my hair was doing. Received a most kind, dear letter from dearest Aunt Louise in which she tells me, that the Prince de Joinville is safely arrived at Toulon after his long and interesting voyage.

After 9am we all breakfasted. Arranged my accounts etc. Wrote my journal. Played and sung. Walked.

At 2.15pm we went out with Lady Theresa & Lehzen, and came home at 4pm. We met two Gipsies, an old and a young woman; the young one was beautiful and so picturesc! Drew. Read to Lehzen out of "L'Histoire de la Flandre". Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner dined here. Danced with Lady Theresa. Sung & Mamma also. Played on the piano with Lady Theresa. Stayed up till 10.30pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was undoing.

Wednesday, 7th December 1836

I awoke at 7am.

Today is my most beloved sister's birth-day! May God grant her many, many, many, happy years to live, and may tenfold blessings be showered down upon her head, and upon those of her dear Husband & children! Received from Mamma the 'Andalusian Annual' which has beautiful coloured prints of figures in it etc. and three lovely enamel buttons; I gave her a small nosegay and the Book of Beauty. From my dear Lehzen I received a beautiful book called 'The Cabinet of Gems', containing prints after Sir Thos. Lawrence's unpublished crayon drawings which are beautiful.

At 9am we breakfasted. Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley has sent me the Keepsake for 1837 which is edited by her. Drew.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T, in Hume and in Virgil. Drew. Played and sung.

At 2.15pm we went out with dear Lehzen and came home at near 4pm. We met the same two Gipsies as the other day accompanied by another very pretty one, who, the young one of the other day told us, was her sister-in-law, and was in daily expectation of her confinement; the old woman, she told us the other day, was her mother; her own name, she said was Cooper. They are encamped on the Portsmouth road now, where we walk every day. Played and sung. Wrote my journal. Read to Lehzen out of Sully. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner, Victoire Conroy, the Dean, Mr. Henry and Sir J. Conroy dined here. Victoire is come to stay here for some days. Dearest Feodore's health was drunk at desert. I sung a little after dinner. Stayed up till 10.30pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing. Received a letter from Pss Sophia before dinner.

Friday, 9th December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at a 7.45am.

Received a very kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise, accompanied by some of her own signatures and that of Grisi. The Hurricane was very severe likewise in Belgium on the 29th ult. Received a letter from dearest Feodore.

After 9am we breakfasted. Added a few lines to my letter to Aunt Louise and drew.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T. in Col. Hutchinson's memoirs and in Blackstone. Drew.

After 12pm dear Lehzen and I, went out and came home at 1.30pm. Wrote my journal.

At 2.30pm we went out with dearest Lehzen & Victoire and came home at 4pm. We met the two young Gipsy women; 'the sister-in-law' has a most lovely face. Played & sung. Walked about. Drew. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Read a little in Clive's life. Sung. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was undoing.

Sunday, 11th of December 1836

I awoke after 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition while my hair was doing.

At 9am we breakfasted. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore.

At 11am we went to church with dearest Lehzen and Victoire. The Dean read the service and Mr. Harbin preached. The text was from the 11th Chapter of Acts, 18th verse. It is a thousand pities that poor Mr. Harbin delivers his sermons so very slowly, for they are remarkably good, but I do not think I ever heard any thing so slow as his way of reading and speaking, together with a weakness of chest which renders it worse. En révanche he is, every body says, a most excellent, mild clergyman and does a great deal of good to the poor here. Came home at 1pm. Painted.

At 2pm we went out with dear Lehzen & Victoire and came home at 3.30pm. We saw our Gipsy friends peeping out of their frail abode of canvass. They certainly are a 'hard-faring race'.

At 4pm we went down for Evening prayers with dearest Lehzen, Victoire etc. The Dean performed the service. Wrote my journal. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner, the Dean and Mr. Harbin dined here. Stayed up till 10.30pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was undoing.

Thursday, 15th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Wrote the brouillon to a French letter to dearest Aunt Louise.

After 9am we all breakfasted. Began my letter to dearest Aunt Louise.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., in Col. Hutchinson's memoirs, and in Payley. Wrote my letter to dear Aunt Louise.

At a little after 12pm, dear Lehzen, Jane, Victoire and I, went out and came home at 1.40pm. Since Monday, or rather more Tuesday, the Gipsy encampments have been enlarged by 2 tents. As we were walking along the road near to the Tents, the woman who said she was called Cooper, and who is generally the spokeswoman of the party, stepped across the road from the tents, and as we turned & stopped, came up to us with a whole swarm of children, six I think. It was a singular, and yet a pretty and picturesc sight. She herself with nothing on her head, her raven hair hanging untidily about her fine countenance, and a dingy dark green cloak hung on one side of her shoulders, while the set of little brats swarming round her, with dark dishevelled hair & dark dresses, all little things and all beautiful children.
She spoke to Lehzen and said they were the children of her two brothers, and “I am aunt to all these”. She said her name was Sarah and she then proceeded to name all the children of which I remember only five; Dinah, Job, Britannia, Emmeline, and I think Helen. Britannia is a beautiful little large black eyed thing, with a dirty face who was wiped to be shown off. Sarah, then pointed to her own boy, called George, her only child, who was carrying another little nephew named Nelson, on his back. The pretty sister-in-law is not mother of these children, for she is only 20 and has none as yet.

We had not proceeded far before we met the old Mother Gipsy, the pretty sister-in-law, and two other sisters-in-law, each with a baby in her arms, one of whom is very pretty; they are the mothers of the children, “Aunt Sarah” was displaying to us. The Gipsies are a curious, peculiar and very hardy race, unlike any other!

Finished my letter to Aunt Louise. At half past dear Lehzen, Jane, and I, went out & came home at 4pm. Played & sung. Wrote my journal. At 6pm we dined. Stayed up till 9.45pm. I had a very bad sick headache.

Friday, 16th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at a little before 8am.

Today is a day most dear to me; it is the birth-day of my most beloved Uncle & father, for I have often mentioned, that I love him as such and that he has been a father to me by all his unceasing love & affection and by all he has done for me and is still doing for me, for all I can never be grateful enough! That he may live many many years in health & happiness, to be the pride, support, and happiness of all his relations, and of one who is so devoted and attached to him as I am, and to be the blessing of his country & people, is my most earnest and most heartfelt prayer! He is indeed happy & blessed by having that angelic Aunt Louise always near him, who lives only to please him. That dear Aunt will be, I am glad to say, confined in March.

Mamma gave me a pretty gold pin, and an annual called “Landscape & Historical Illustrations of Scotland and the Waverley Novels. The prints in it are very pretty. I gave her a nosegay and the Landscape Annual. Received a very kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise accompanied by some autographs. I got also a letter from good Spèth accompanied, by some very pretty lace made by a poor old woman of 92 and her little grand-daughter of 7 yrs old!

After 9am we breakfasted. Arranged various things. Added a few lines to my letter to dear Aunt Louise. Painted. We all went down into the Library to see some pictures, Mr. Partridge brought, he had done at Brussels. There were three oil coloured paintings; one of my dear little Cousin, who is lovely; he must be a beautiful child; the eyes quite Uncle Leopold's, the mouth Aunt Louise's and his Uncle the Duke of Orleans', with very fair hair. He is painted seated on his washing table, undressed, with only his shift on. The second likewise of my little Cousin, en prophile, is not so good. But the third which is an unfinished one of dearest Aunt Louise with le petit Homme, is lovely; it is the best I have seen of my Aunt; he has caught so exactly that angelic & beautiful expression in her lovely eyes, and that sweet look in her dear face, which no one else has.

At 12pm, dearest Lehzen, Jane, Victoire, & I, went out and came home at 1.30pm. As we passed the Encampment, “Aunt Sarah” and her old mother came across to meet us, and announced in due form that the pretty young sister-in-law had been confined with a son, (her first child) an hour before. I was quite amused by the manner of importance with which this event was announced. I must say they seem very kind to one another. Painted.

At a 2.15pm Lehzen & I, went out and came home at 3.30pm. We met “Aunt Sarah” and gave her something for the young mother & infant, who she said was “as fine a child as ever you saw.” It is remarkable how well bred and not forward this woman is and what a well bred manner of speaking she has, with a peculiar accent. Played & sung. Wrote my journal.

At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert, Lady Victoire, Emily Gardiner, Lady Conroy, (who is come to stay here for a few days) Dr. Clark and the Dean dined here. Dearest beloved Uncle Leopold's health was drunk en forme at desert. Victoire & Emily Gardiner played very nicely on the piano after dinner. Mamma and I sung a little. Stayed up till 10.30pm.

Saturday, 17th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 9am we all breakfasted, including Dr. Clark. Saw Dr. Clark. Drew.

At 10.15am came the Dean till 11am. Read with him in the N.T., in Boswell and in Rokeby.

At 11am came Mr. Steward till 11.45am.

At 12pm we went out with dear Lehzen & Jane and came home at 1.30pm. As we passed the Encampment, the old Gipsy woman came out accompanied by Dinah & Emmeline, and produced from under her cloak the poor little baby, an uncommonly fine though small child for a day old only!

At 2.15pm dear Lehzen, Victoire & I went out and came home at 3.30pm. One of the other Gipsy daughters-in-law was walking on the other side of the road, she is also very pretty though not the prettiest of the two new ones.

Played on the piano. Wrote my journal. Read to Lehzen out of the Irish History. Read in or rather looked over, (for I have read it through before) 'The Gipsies advocate' by James Crabb. It is a very pretty, pious little book, and is full of very curious, and some very touching anecdotes of these poor people. They have originally no religion, but many have been reformed by kind Clergymen and other people. There are societies formed for reforming them. Their conjugal, filial, & paternal affection is very great, as also their kindness & attention to their sick, old, or infirm. Their morals too are almost always very pure, with the exception of an addiction to petty thefts and fortune-telling.

At 6pm we dined. Messrs Edward & Stephen Conroy dined here. Sang as also did Mamma. Stayed up till 10.15pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was undoing.

Note: The newborn child produced here to Victoria is Francis Cooper, son of Matthew (Matty) & Eliza Cooper. He was baptised on the 1st January 1837 at St. Andrews Church in Cobham, Surrey and this is referenced later within these journal entries.

Sunday, 18th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's life while my hair was doing. Received a few kind words from my dearest Sister, written on her birth-day.

After 9am we all breakfasted. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore.

At a little before 11am we went to church with dearest Lehzen, Lady Conroy, Jane, and Victoire. The service was read by the Dean & Mr. Harbin preached. Came home at 1pm. Saw Baron Moncorvo for some time.

At 2.30pm dear Lehzen & I, went out and came home at 20 minutes to 4pm. As we passed the Encampment, “Aunt Sarah” and the prettiest of the two sisters-in-law (not the one we saw yesterday) came out. This sister-in-law, whom I had an opportunity of observing closely, is quite beautiful; she has a fine complexion, not much colour, small expressive eyes, a most lovely nose, and pretty mouth; she had nothing on her head, and her fine soft glossy black hair was parted with great care. She had a printed cotton dress on with a red & yellow handkerchief round her neck; she has a sharp, clever, but good-humoured expression and seems quite young though she has several children; she is the beauty of the whole set.
Aunt Sarah said in her peculiar dialect in answer to Lehzen's enquiries about the young woman & baby, that the former 'is very sad' meaning 'very unwell'. This was said with much feeling. Wrote my journal.

At 4.30pm we all went down to prayers. The Dean read them. Wrote my journal. Drew. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we dined. The Dean and the Conroys dined here. Stayed up till a 10.15pm

Monday, 19th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Received a very dear, kind letter from dearest Uncle Leopold written on his birth-day.

After 9am we breakfasted. Began a letter to dear Uncle Leopold.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30pm. Read with him in the N.T., in Hume, & in Virgil. At a little after 12pm dearest Lehzen, Jane & I, went out & came home at 1.20pm. Wrote to my letter to Uncle Leopold.

At 2.30pm we went out with dear Lehzen & came home at 20 minutes to 4pm. We had almost no walk both morning & evening as it rained so constantly, being besides that milder than Spring. The Encampment is diminished by 2 tents, (just the number who were established last Monday) and the 2 other pretty sisters-in-law seem gone with the host of children. I take much interest in these poor, extraordinary and often nay most commonly, greatly wronged people. How damp & uncomfortable the poor young woman & her baby must have felt today! Finished my letter to Uncle Leopold and wrote my journal. Played & sung. Read to Lehzen out of Sully.

At a little after 6.30pm Sir Robert & Ly Gardiner, Mr. Croker, Col. Wemyss, Mr. Robert Jenkinson, Mr. Culling Smith & the Dean dined here. I sat between Mr. Croker & Col. Wemyss. Der erste ist ein gluger, aber nach meiner meinung, nicht agenemer Mann; er spricht zu viel. He has a very excellent memory and tells anecdotes cleverly but with a peculiar pronunciation of the r. He said that the Duke of Wellington had told him, that the character of the 3 nations the English, Scotch & Irish was very apparent in the army. He said (the Duke) “It may seem like a joke what I am going to say but it is quite true; the Scotch were pleased when the money arrived, the Irish when they got into a wine country, and the English when the roast beef came up”. He told many anecdotes & made many remarks upon the various nations, ein wenig sehr stark. Il aime trop a étaler, il n'a pas de tacte; il prend trop le ton supérieur.

Stayed up till 10.30pm.

Tuesday, 20th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. At 9am we breakfasted.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T, in Hume and in Geography.

At 12pm dearest Lehzen, Victoire & I, went out and came home at 20 minutes to 2pm. No one was stirring about the camp except one of the men, I think he is the husband of the young woman, who was walking slowly along the road; he has a peculiar, handsome, dark Italian countenance & seems quite young. Drew.

At a 2.15pm we went out with dear Lehzen & Victoire and came home at 4pm. Wrote my journal. Read to dear Lehzen out of Raumer's Königinnen. Played & sung. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we all dined except Ly Conroy. Sang & also Mamma. Stayed up till 10pm. Received from dearest Aunt Louise 2 lovely dresses & some artificial flowers as her Christmas present. They are both made by Mlle. Palmyre and are beautiful, quite. The one is of beautiful white flowerd silk, trimmed down one side with lovely pink roses, which decrease in size the higher they go, till they finish at the top with two rose buds. The other is of beautiful scarlet velvet, with two beautiful pieces of blonde laid flat on each side of the dress (petticoat I mean). The sleeves, bodies etc. etc. of these dresses are done in the most elegant, fashionable and yet simple manner. The flowers consist of a wreath of white roses & of a large red flower. My dearest Aunt is really too kind to me.

Read in Clive's Life while my hair was undoing.

Wednesday, 21st of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Exposition & in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

Received a very kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise, in which she mentions how grieved she is, that the expedition to Constantine has failed (of which we heard some days ago) & how thankful she is that the Duc de Nemours escaped almost by a miracle. I am very sorry indeed it has failed but rejoice, that the Duc de Nemours has not suffered. This letter was accompanied by a box containing some lovely roses to match with the white dress. Received also a kind letter from dear Ferdinand.

After 9am we breakfasted. I quite forgot to mention, that we received the melancholy news on Sunday, that the poor, good, merry, active little Harbour Master of Ramsgate, Captain Woolward, was - no more! He was quite well all last Wednesday, went to bed as usual, was seized with a fit of apoplexy, and died in 5 minutes! I am very sorry for him, poor, good little man, he was so civil & friendly to us, and was so blunt & honest in his manners; I can see his good humoured face before me. He was 54 only.

At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., in Hume, & in Virgil.

At 12pm dearest Lehzen, Jane and I, went out & came home at a 1.45pm.

At 2.15pm dearest Lehzen & I, went out and came home at 4pm. As we passed the encampment Aunt Sarah, looking very handsome, but rather fagged from fatigue & work, came out with the little Baby, a fine child, in her arms; she said the baby was very well but that the mother was “very sad.” “I assure you, ma'm, as I have the Baby here, I don't think we shall rear her, she can't walk a step.” She said this with much sorrow. I must say they really are very discreet, and not at all pushing & importune; and most grateful for the little assistance we have given them, poor things from time to time. When we passed by again they called out from across the road, many thanks for something Lehzen gave them. There is something lofty and very peculiar in their carriage & demeanour, very unlike peasants.

Drew. Wrote my journal. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6 we all dined except Ly Conroy. Sang & played on the piano. Drew, as I often do, of an evening. Stayed up till 10pm. Wrote my journal.

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Exposition while my hair was doing. After 9am we all breakfasted. I quite forgot to mention yesterday what struck me so much about the little Gipsy Baby when “Aunt Sarah” brought it out and also when the old woman brought it out, which was, its extreme cleanness, and the neatness and cleanliness of the poor little boy's dress; it is quite as clean and neat as you would wish any child or infant to be. The whole set, including Aunt Sarah, her old Mother, and this poor young woman, seem very clean, except their own attire, which of course looks soiled from “wear and tear”, for they wash their linen, handkerchiefs, cloaks etc. almost every day.
I hope and trust the pretty young woman will recover, for they seem all so fond of, and so attentive and kind to her. I take much interest in these poor people, who are, I must say, a remarkably quiet, nice set of Gipsies, and wish I could do something to render them comfortable and even to have their children properly instructed.

Wrote my journal. Arranged some things. Played and sung. At 11.30pm dearest Lehzen and I went out and came home at 1pm. At 1.45pm we left Claremont (only for 2 nights) with dear Lehzen and Lady Conroy and Dashy, and reached old Kensington Palace at 3.30pm. Moved about. Saw Dr.Clark. Received a very kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise, and one also from dear Feodore. Wrote my journal. Played and sung.

At 6 we dined, including Jane and Victoire Conroy. Princess Sophia dined here. At 9pm we went with dearest Lehzen, Lady and the Miss Conroys, to the play to Drury Lane. It was the ballet of “The Devil on two sticks” in 3 acts. It is a stupid subject, and the ballet is long, heavy and tiresome, nay would not be bearable were it not for the charms of the delightful Mdlle. Duvernay, who looked lovely, and danced (the little she did) and acted beautifully. She certainly is the best after the inimitable Taglioni, as she dances quite in the same quiet, graceful, light style. Duvernay is not pretty, has a beautiful figure, though very tall, perhaps a little too tall, but she carries it off so well and is so lady-like, that it is not perceived. She is very much improved since I last saw her, 2 years and a half ago. Her two Spanish dresses are beautiful, particularly the one in the 2nd act in which she dances the Cachucha, a very singular Spanish dance, all alone, with castanets, which she does beautifully, quite, so gracefully and with so much spirit. Her last dress, though not perhaps very lady-like, is very becoming; it is that of a Spanish officer of former times, and she looks so handsome and so tall. She was compelled to repeat the Cachucha.

I must not omit to mention M.Mazilier of the Académie Royale at Paris, who personified the Student Cléophas very gracefully and cleverly, as also Mr.Wieland who was very clever as Asmodeus, the Devil. We came in before the ballet began and came away just before it was over. Came home at 12.30am.

Saturday, 24th of December 1836

Xmas Eve. I awoke after 7am and got up at 8am. After 9am we breakfasted. At a little after 10am we left Kensington with dearest Lehzen, Lady Conroy, and - Dashy! and reached Claremont at a 11.45am. Played and sung. At 2pm dearest Lehzen, Victoire and I went out and came home at 20 minutes 3pm. No one was stirring about the Gipsy encampment except George, which I was sorry for, as I was anxious to know how our poor friends were after this bitterly cold night.

Played and sung. Received from dearest best Lehzen as a Christmas box; 2 lovely little Dresden china figures, 2 pair of lovely little chased gold buttons, a small lovely button with an angel's head which she used to wear herself, and a pretty music book; from good Louis a beautiful piece of Persian stuff for an album; and from Victoire and Emily Gardiner a small box worked by themselves. Wrote my journal. Went down to arrange Mamma's table for her.

At 6pm we dined. Mr.Edmund Byng, and Mr.Conroy dined here. Mr.Byng is going to stay here a night or two. Very soon after dinner Mamma sent for us into the Gallery, where all the things were arranged on different tables. From my dear Mamma I received a beautiful massive gold buckle in the shape of two serpents; a lovely delicate little gold chain with a turquoise clasp; a fine album of brown moroccow with a silver clasp; a lovely coloured sketch of dearest Aunt Louise by Partridge, copied from the picture he brought, and so like her; 3 beautiful drawings by Munn, one lovely sea view by Purser, and one beautiful cattle piece by Cooper (all coloured), 3 prints; a book called; “Finden's Tableaux”; “Heath's picturesq Annual for 1837, Ireland”; both these are very pretty; “Friendship's Offering”, and “The English Annual for 1837”; “The Holy Land”, illustrated beautifully; two handkerchiefs, a very pretty black satin apron trimmed with red velvet; and two almanacks. I am very thankful to my dear Mamma for all these very pretty things. From dear Uncle Leopold, a beautiful turquoise ring; from the Queen a fine piece of Indian gold tissue; and from Sir J.Conroy a print. I gave my dear Lehzen a green moroccow jewel case, and the Picturesc Annual; Mamma gave her a shawl, a dress, a pair of turquoise earrings, an annual, and handkerchiefs. I then took Mamma to the Library where my humble table was arranged. I gave her a bracelet made of my hair, the clasp of which contains Charles', Feodore's, and my hair; and the “Keepsake” and “Oriental Annual”. Lehzen gave her two pair of little buttons just like mine. I danced a little with Victoire. Stayed up till 11.

Sunday, 25th of December 1836

Xmas Day. I awoke after 7am and got up at 8am. At 9am we all breakfasted. Mamma, Lehzen, and I read prayers. Arranged my new drawings.

At a little before 2pm dearest Lehzen, Victoire and I went out and came home at 3pm. As we were approaching the camp, we met Rea coming from it, who had been sent there by Mamma to enquire into the story of these poor wanderers. He told us (what I was quite sure of before) that all was quite true, that the poor young woman and baby were doing very well, though very weak and miserable and that what they wanted chiefly was fuel and nourishment. Mamma has ordered broth and fuel to be sent tonight, as also 2 blankets; and several of our people have sent old flannel things for them. Mamma has ordered that the broth and fuel is to be sent each day til the woman is recovered. Lehzen sent them by our footmen a little worsted knit jacket for the poor baby, and when we drove by, Aunt Sarah, the old woman and the Husband all looked out and bowed most gratefully. Rea gave them directly a sovereign.
I cannot say how happy I am, that these poor creatures are assisted, for they are such a nice set of Gipsies, so quiet, so affectionate to one another, so discreet, not at all forward or importunate, and so grateful; so unlike the gossiping, fortune-telling race-gipsies; and this is such a peculiar and touching case. Their being assisted makes me quite merry and happy today, for yesterday night when I was safe and happy at home in that cold night and today when it snowed so and everything looked white, I felt quite unhappy and grieved to think that our poor gipsy friends should perish and shiver for want; and now today I shall go to bed happy, knowing they are better off and more comfortable. Arranged drawings. Wrote my journal.

At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner and Victoire and Emily Gardiner dined here. Sang and also Mamma a little. Stayed up till 10pm. I heard that the poor Gipsies were in ecstasies at what they received, which consisted of broth and wood (which as I before said they are to receive every day till the poor young woman is recovered) and the bundle of things, the blankets not being quite ready. I went to bed with a light heart, knowing these poor good people were better off and would not feel the cold quite so much.

Monday, 26th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Received a most kind letter from dear Uncle Leopold. After 9am we all breakfasted. Everything out of doors is white with snow. Sang. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold and one to dear Feodore. Walked. Painted. It snowed almost the whole morning but since 12 o'clock it has ceased. Wrote my journal. Played and sung. Read to dear Lehzen out of Sully. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6.30pm we dined. Sir Henry and Lady Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Buxton, Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner, and the Dean dined here. Lady Fletcher is a very pretty person, rather like Lady Ailesbury, and Lady Bingham. Mrs. Buxton has very fine features and a pleasing countenance, and would be very pretty did she dress better. Sang, and Mamma also. Stayed up till 10.30pm. I heard that the Gipsy mother and little baby were better and very thankful for the blankets etc. etc. they had got, and felt very comfortable with a large fire in spite of the deep snow and great cold. The baby is to be called Francis and was to have been christned on Sunday only they came too late. I sat between Mr. Byng and Sir H.Fletcher.

Tuesday, 27th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Snow very deep and very cold. After 9am we breakfasted. Mr.Byng etc. went away before breakfast. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., in Hume and in Geography. Walked. Copied out music. Walked. Drew and painted. Walked. Copied out music.

I am very much annoyed not to have been able to get out now for two days, and that I could not get a peep at and talk with our poor protégés; I trust I shall do so tomorrow. Wrote my journal. Read with dear Lehzen out of Raumer's Königinnen. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we dined. The Deam dined here. Sang. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in Clive's life while my hair was undoing.

Wednesday, 28th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's life while my hair was doing. Received yesterday evening from dear Uncle Leopold, 8 beautiful drawings done by artists, some Belgian, French, etc. for my new album. After 9am we breakfasted. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., in Hume, and in Virgil.

At 12pm dearest Lehzen, Victoire, and I went out and came home at 2pm. Everything covered with deep snow, and we were compelled to walk in the middle of the road, and very slippy rough walking it was. Aunt Sarah came out of the encampment looking very handsome with the poor little baby in her arms, as also the old woman with nothing on her head, and were very grateful for the blankets etc. we had sent them. Whatever may be the faults of this singular and wandering people and of these in particular, ingratitude and want of affection for one another are not amongst them, for they are most grateful I must say. Drew. Wrote my journal. Read to Lehzen out of Sully. Wrote a French letter to Princesse Clementine to thank her for a very pretty drawing of her own composition which she had made for me and which I received on Friday evening. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was doing. After 6pm we dined. The Dean dined here. Sang. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Thursday, 29th of December 1836

I awoke at 7 and got up at 8. Wrote the brouillon to a French letter to Aunt Louise. After 9am we breakfasted. Drew. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., in Col. Hutchinson's Memoirs and in Payley. At 12pm we went out with dear Lehzen and came home at 2pm. Everything still looked very white and the ground rather slippery but not so much so as yesterday. It snowed part of the time we were walking. I saw Aunt Sarah and the least pretty of the two sisters-in-law, who has returned, in a shop in Esher. How I do wish I could do something for their spiritual and mental benefit and for the education of their children and in particular for the poor little baby who I have known since its birth, in the admirable manner Mr.Crabb in his “Gipsies' Advocate” so strongly urges; he beseeches and urges those who have kind hearts and Christian feelings to think of these poor wanderers, who have many good qualities and who have many good people amongst them. He says, and alas! I too well know, its truth, from experience, that whenever any poor Gipsies are encamped anywhere and crimes and robberies etc. occur, it is invariably laid to their account, which is shocking; and if they are always looked upon as vagabonds, how can they become good people? I trust in Heaven that the day may come when I may do something for these poor people, and for this particular family! I am sure, that the little kindness which they have experienced from us will have a good and lasting effect on them! Drew. Wrote my letter to dear Aunt Louise and one to Princess Sophia. Wrote my journal. Played and sung. Saw Dr.Clark. Read in Clive's Life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we dined. Dr.Clark dined here. Stayed up till 10pm.

Friday, 30th of December 1836

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. Saw Dr.Clark. Wrote a letter to Speth. After 12pm my dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 20 minutes to 1pm. When we passed the encampment the old woman came out and told Lehzen that she had called twice at the lodge yesterday and today and had got no soup. Poor thing! there have been some misunderstandings and confusions I am sorry to say. But they have got blankets, old clothes and some money and I trust and really think they are as comfortable as poor Gipsies generally are. She further said that the young woman & baby were going on well; that they were all Coopers and the young woman, who was her daughter-in-law, was called Eliza Lee before her marriage; and that her own daughter Sarah had no husband, which she said looking down sadly, and that little George was Sarah's only child. She has a singular clever but withered countenance herself, with not one grey hair, and is very respectful and well bred in her manner. At 2.30pm we went out with dearest Lehzen and came home at 3.15pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate. Wrote my journal. Read to dear Lehzen out of the Translation of Raumer. Played and sung. At a little after 6.30pm we dined. Colonel Holmes Sumnor, Mr. and Mrs. Vesey, Captain and Mrs. Bain, Baroness de Ponthieu, Mr. Brown (brother to Lady Fletcher and in the 8th Hussars), and Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner dined here. Stayed up till 10.15pm. Mrs. Vesey is a very nice old lady; she is sister to Mr.Arbuthnot.

Sunday, 1st of January 1837

I awoke at 7am. How thankful ought I to be and indeed am I, that my almighty Creator has allowed me again to see a new year, and to have brought me so safely through this past year! I am most sincerely sorry and grieved for all what I have left undone and for all the wrong I have done, and I beseech Him to bring me and all those most dear safely through this coming year! I gave Mamma a drawing I had done, 2 prayer books, bound in velvet, a new year's card, and a small nosegay. She gave me the “Cabinet of Modern art” and the “Biblical Annual”, and 2 very pretty handkerchiefs. My dearest Lehzen gave me two pretty new-year's cards, I gave her a box, and from Mamma a book and a pair of spectacles.

Got up after 8am. Received a very kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise, and one from good Spèth with a new year's wish. At 9.30am we breakfasted. Found near my plate, a lovely gold bracelet which Mamma has worn herself, and a beautiful scarf, both from her. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore. At 10.30am we went down to prayers with Lehzen, etc. etc. The Dean performed the service and gave us a beautiful sermon. The text was from the 16th chapter of St.Luke, 2nd verse: “Give an account of thy stewardship”.

At 12.30pm dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 1.30pm. As we passed the camp, the old woman and Aunt Sarah came out dressed in their best, and wished us most heartily and cordially a happy new year. I never saw Aunt Sarah look more beautiful than she did this time; she looked so cheerful and she had so much colour; her countenance is a very peculiar one, and a most difficult one to draw from recollection, for there is so much mind and soul in it; she has a tawny complexion, a low forehead, finely pencilled but not arched eyebrows, beautiful, dark, expressive eyes with splendid eyelashes, a small high nose, high cheek bones, a projecting mouth, beautiful teeth, and a falling back chin; et pour comble de tout raven black hair, over which she wore a bright crimson handkerchief fastened under her chin, as she almost always wears. I do so wish I could take her likeness from nature! What a study she would be!
Lehzen gave her something and said she feared, we should perhaps not see her again, as we could not walk by the camp now, at which they seemed quite satisfied. Lehzen asked the old woman her christian name, which she said was Mary, and that of the least pretty of the two sisters-in-law, she said, was Phillis. She said she was going to take the baby to church to be christened, and that it was to be called Francis, but they both offered in the most civil, kind manner to give the child any other name if we chose, without asking us to be god-mothers or anything like it, but we of course declined it. Had I been my own mistress, I would willingly have told them to call the boy Leopold, he having been born on the 16th of December, but of course I could not. The young mother, Eliza, they said was able to walk a little up and down before the camp, which is a great improvement. They then loaded us with thanks and blessings. I must say, that all what I have seen of them convinces me they are a superior set of Gipsies, full of gratitude, quiet, discreet, and full of affection to one another. I only wish dear Lehzen and I could have seen more and done more for them, but alas! we cannot, and I am very happy that we have been able to give them some comfort and assistance. Drew.

At 2.30pm dear Lehzen, Jane and I went out and came home at 3.45pm. Drew. At 4.30pm we all went down to prayers, except Victoire who has not appeared all day, being unwell. The Dean read. Drew. At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert, Lady, and Victoire and Emily Gardiner, and the Dean dined here. Played on the piano with Victoire Gardiner after dinner, who plays very nicely. Victoire Conroy did not come to dinner. Stayed up till 10.15pm.

Thursday, 5th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Wrote the brouillon to a French letter to dear Aunt Louise. I received from her yesterday evening 3 very pretty drawings done by masters. After 9am we breakfasted. Wrote. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T. and in the newspapers.

At a little after 12pm dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 20 minutes past 1pm. When we approached the spot where the Gipsy encampment was, all, all was gone, vanished, and the only trace left of them was their litter of straw! So sudden and mysterious are their arrivals and departures, that one day they may appear settled for a long while in their tents and the next morning there may be no vestige of them left. Poor people, I am so glad we have done them good; they were such a nice set of Gipsies. I am quite certain that they had settled their departure when they came out to see us last Sunday, and were therefore not so sorry when we said we should see them no more, which was too true! I hope I shall see them one day again and then be able to do more real good for them.

We met in walking homewards a Gipsy and a boy both on horseback; the man was remarkably handsome and independent looking; had a grey hat, trousers and gaiters on, a green jacket and a bright red handkerchief tied loosely round his neck; he looked quite Italian like; the boy had a black beaver hat on with a pipe in his mouth. I should think they were some relations of our friends; probably of the same clan, the Coopers.

At a 2.15pm Lehzen and I went out and came home at 3pm. Wrote my letter to Aunt Louise and my journal. Played and sung. Saw Dr.Clark. Read to dear Lehzen out of Raumer's Königinnen. Dr.Clark dined here. Played on the piano with Mamma and sang. Received a very kind letter and two pretty New Year's cards from Uncle Ernest. Stayed up till 10.15pm. Read in the Edinburgh Review while my hair was undoing.

Sunday, 8th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition and in the Edinburgh Review while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore. At 10.30am we all went down to prayers. The service was performed by the Dean who gave us likewise a sermon. The text was from the 1st chapter of Isaiah, verse; “Wash you, make you clean”. At 12pm dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 12.50pm. It is today a week that we took leave of our poor good friends the Gipsies and I am quite sorry when I pass the spot so long enlivened by their little camp, and behold it empty and deserted and with almost no trace to be seen of their ever having been there. They had been there more than a month, for they encamped there about 5 days after we arrived here and have been there ever since until last Wednesday or Thursday. To my feeling, the chief ornament of the Portsmouth road is gone since their departure. But this is their life; they are happy and grateful and we have done them some good. The place and spot may be forgotten, but the Gipsy family Cooper will never be obliterated from my memory! Painted.

At a 2.15pm Lehzen, Victoire and I went out and came home at 3.30pm. Wrote my journal. Wrote the journal of my books. At 4.30pm we all went down to prayers, which were read by the Dean. Wrote the journal of my books etc. Read in Lord Clive's life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we dined. The Dean dined here. Played on the piano with Mamma and sang. Stayed up till 10pm.

Thursday, 12th of January 1837

I awoke after 7am feeling better but still weak and giddy. I had my breakfast in my own room at a little after 9am. Felt still uncomfortable. Painted, drew and painted. Read for some time to my most beloved Lehzen whose kindness and extreme attention has been great as usual, during this slight indisposition. Felt much better. Took my little dinner of soup, chicken and rice, in my room at a 6.15pm. I forgot to mention that one of the nice qualities of my Gipsy friends was, their cleanliness; for they were to be seen almost every day drying their washed things, not only their linen, but their handkerchiefs, cloaks etc. I am sorry I did not see the pretty young woman who was confined, again; I should so have liked to have seen her. What a hardy race they must be, when I consider how this young woman and poor innocent little babe bore the late very severe cold; I really think the wood and blankets we sent them kept them alive. She seemed a very strong person, as they all are, for she used generally to go every day before her confinement to the village which was full a mile and a half from their camp, and back again, and the last time I met her, the morning of the day before her confinement, how pretty and well she was looking only a little tired; I saw her even about the camp (at a distance) in the afternoon too.

Wrote my journal. Went downstairs at 7.30pm. After dinner came Dr.Clark. Stayed up till 10pm. The news of the Duchess of Gloucester are just the same. She continues quite delirious.

Friday, 13th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Received a most kind and dear letter from dearest Aunt Louise and a very pretty kind one in English from dear Princesse Clémentine. Began the brouillon to a French letter to dearest Aunt Louise. Breakfasted in my own room at 9.30am. Saw Dr.Clark. Finished my brouillon. Wrote my letter to dearest Aunt Louise. Played and sung. Wrote. Drew. Played and sung. Wrote my journal. Read to dear Lehzen out of Raumer's Königinnen. Wrote.

At 6pm we all dined. Stayed up till 10pm. Began after dinner “Ion”, a tragedy in 5 acts by Mr.T.N.Tallfourd. Read 2 acts of it and like it very much; the language is beautiful and the story highly interesting. Read in the Gipsies Advocate while my hair was undoing. It is atrocious how often these poor creatures have been falsely accused, cruelly wronged, and greatly ill-treated!

Saturday, 14th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition while my hair was doing. At a little after 9am I breakfasted in my own room. Pasted in autographs. Wrote. Copied out music. Played and sung. Copied out music. Saw Col. Hill, now General Hill (since the last promotions). Walked about. Wrote a Table of Kings. Wrote a Latin exercise, and my journal. Read out of the Irish History and out of L'Histoire de la Flandre to dearest Lehzen. Read in Clive's Life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we 6 dined. That is to say ourselves, the Miss Conroys, and the Dean. Read in and finished “Ion”; I am much delighted with it. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing. How I do long to be able to do some real good for our poor Gipsy friends; to do them spiritually good, an also that dear little baby which I may almost say I saw born, for I have seen it since it was a day old!

Sunday, 15th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's life while my hair was doing. After 9am we all breakfasted except Lady Conroy who is unwell. Wrote a letter to dearest Feodore. At 10.30am we went down to prayers with dear Lehzen and Victoire etc. The Dean performed the service and preached. The text was from the 8th chapter of Acts, 30th verse. Drew. Copied out music. Drew. Walked. Wrote the journal of my books.

At 4.30pm we again went down to prayers with Lehzen and Victoire etc. The Dean read them. Wrote my journal. Read in Clive's Life while my hair was doing. At 6pm we dined. Sir Robert, Lady, Victoire, Emily, and Lynedoch Gardiner, and the Dean dined here. Lady and Miss Conroy did not dine here. Sang. Stayed up till a little after 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Monday, 16th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's Life while my hair was doing. At 9am we breakfasted. Wrote. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., and in the Newspapers a very fine speech of Sir Robert Peel's to the University at Glasgow (not a political one). Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold. Read in “Ion”; I am reading it a 2nd time and with more care. Walked. Wrote my journal. My poor Aunt, the Duchess of Gloucester still continues very very ill. Wrote my journal. Began and read to dear Lehzen the 1st and last of the 2nd act of Corneille's tragedy “Le Cid”, en 5 actes. The language is beautiful and I like it extremely. Lehzen then dictated French to me. Played on the piano. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined; Lady and Miss Conroy did not dine at table. Played with M. on the piano and sang after dinner. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Tuesday, 17th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Received a very kind letter from dearest Uncle Leopold. After 9am we breakfasted. Wrote. At 10am came the Dean till 11.30am. Read with him in the N.T., and in the newspapers another speech of Sir R. Peel's, a political one. Read in Ion. Walked. Drew. Did various things. Read in Ion. Played and sung. Walked. Read in Ion. Wrote my journal. Played and sung. Read in Le Cid with Lehzen. Read in Ion while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. General Hill, Sir Robert, Lady, and Lynedoch Gardiner dined here. Lady Conroy did not come to dinner. Sang one thing. Stayed up till a little after 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing. The news of the Duchess of Gloucester were much better; she was much calmer.

Wednesday, 18th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in Ion, in the Exposition and in Clive's Life while my hair was doing. After 9am we all breakfasted, including General Hill who slept here. He went away after breakfast. Played and sung. Read Italian with dear Lehzen out of Le mie Prigioni. Wrote. Read in Ion. Walked. Read with Lehzen in Raumer's Koniginnen. The news of poor Aunt, the Duchess of Gloucester, continue, I am happy to say, to be good. Wrote my journal. Lehzen dictated French to me. Read to her out of Le Cid. Played on the piano. Read in Ion while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Lady Conroy did not come to dinner. Sang a little. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Thursday, 19th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in Ion (which I finished, for the 2nd time) and in the Exposition while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. Wrote. Read to dear Lehzen out of Sully. At 12pm dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 1pm. I was quite happy to breathe the fresh air again after being una prigioniera per una settimana. Pasted in autographs. Read to dear Lehzen out of the newspapers. I then wrote Italian. Read to Lehzen out of Le Cid and finished it. It is very beautiful and I am much delighted with it; the language is so fine. Wrote my journal. Played and sung. Costa's opera Malek Adel appeared last Saturday at the Opéra Italien at Paris and has succeeded completely. Grisi, Rubini, il mio benissimo Maestro, Tamburini, and Ivanoff, as also Mdlle. Albertazzi, a young and new acquisition, sang beautifully. It is in 3 acts. I long to see it here. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Lady Conroy did not come to dinner. Played on the piano with Mamma and sang. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing. There is so much in this book which so exactly agrees with my own feelings concerning these poor forlorn people. He says that they are always to be won by kindness, and are most grateful for interest taken in them; that one should not mind the bad parts of their characters, but look at their amiable parts and not be thus deterred from doing good, and that one should not be ashamed to speak to them when one meets them. All this, and more, Lehzen and I have urged to some people, but in vain. I have had abundant proofs of their gratitude, of their affection to one another, and of their happiness when interest is taken in them. All what Mr.Crabb (who must be an excellent man) says about their characteristics, their habits, their peculiarities, their ways etc. so exactly agrees with all what I have seen in our Gipsy friends, the interesting and nice Cooper family, whom I very often think of and whom I trust I shall see again and be able to do them then some real good. I had such an opportunity of observing them (unaware to themselves often) and of becoming acquainted with them, though not so much as I wished, that I can compare with the book. He says that when the poor women are confined it is a good time to be charitable to them, and that they are most grateful for the slightest assistance at that time.
I am most thankful that by God's blessing I was in some way the means that this poor young woman was assisted. And how grateful they were! I trust Providence will protect them from all dangers, but particularly spiritual, as it is to that they are the most exposed. This little book abounds with most touching anecdotes of these poor people, and I have scrawled it over with marking some of the many pretty anecdotes and excellent feelings etc. contained in it.

Friday, 20th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Wrote most of the brouillon of a French letter to dear Aunt Louise while my hair was doing. After 9am I breakfasted in my own room. Finished my brouillon and wrote. Wrote my letter to dear Aunt. Walked. Wrote the journal of my books. Walked. Read to dear Lehzen out of Raumer's Königinnen. Wrote my journal. Walked. Played on the piano. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. Lady Conroy dined at table. Received a most kind letter from dearest Aunt Louise, enclosing a letter from Donna Maria to her, a little mèche of my dear little cousin's hair, and a catalogue of autographs. She likewise sent me a beautiful scarf which the Prince de Joinville brought from Smyrna; it is of white stiff muslin embroidered in gold and green silk flowers; it is right on both sides and is very pretty, leger and oriental-looking. Received also a letter from good Augustus. Played on the piano with Mamma and sang. Stayed up till 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Saturday, 21st of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Exposition while my hair was doing. At 9am we all breakfasted. Wrote. Read to Lehzen out of Raumer's England (translated). Played on the piano. At 12pm we went out with dear Lehzen and Victoire Conroy and came home at 1pm. Copied out music. At 2pm dear Lehzen and I went out and came home at 3pm. Copied out music. Walked. Played and sung. Began and read to Lehzen out of “The Two Foscari”, a tragedy by Lord Byron in 5 acts. It is very beautiful but melancholy. Wrote my journal. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined, i.e. Lehzen, ourselves, Lady and the Miss Conroys. Played on the piano with Mamma and we sang also. Stayed up till a little after 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing.

Sunday, 22nd of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. At 11am we 3 read prayers. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore. I got one from her before breakfast. Walked. Copied out music. Walked. Copied out music. Walked. Read to Lehzen out of The Two Foscari; it is beautiful, quite, sad, feeling, and touching, and the language is beautiful. Walked. Arranged newspapers. Wrote my journal. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate, while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we 6 dined. Played on the piano with Mamma, and she and I sang. Stayed up till a 10.15pm.

Monday, 23rd of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up at 8am. Received a very kind, long, and most interesting letter from dearest Uncle Leopold. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold. Read to dear Lehzen out of the Irish History. Played and sung. Sung over several of my favourite Duos and Trios which I had learnt in my delightful lessons, and which my good Lablache used to sing, oh! so beautifully! It brought back all the recollections of those charming lessons so vividly to my mind. Walked. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate for a few minutes. Moved about. Wrote a letter to good Augustus and my journal. Read to Lehzen out of Sully. Played on the piano.

At 6pm we dined. Dr.Clark and Mr. Conroy dined here. Played with Mamma on the piano and sung. Stayed up till 10pm. When I say “stayed up till 10” I mean that I remained downstairs till then, for I seldom am in bed before 11pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was undoing and finished it.

Saturday, 28th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Exposition and in Clive's life while my hair was doing. After 9am we breakfasted. Read to Lehzen out of the newspapers and out of Raumer's Koniginnen. Walked. Copied out music. Walked. Read to Lehzen out of the Irish History. Wrote my journal. Walked. Wrote Italian. Read out of Sully to dear Lehzen. Played and sung. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing.

At 6pm we dined. The Dean and Mr.Stephen Conroy dined here. Played and sung. Stayed up till 20 minutes past 10pm. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate (3rd edition) while my hair was undoing.

Sunday, 29th of January 1837

I awoke at 7am and got up before 8am. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate while my hair was doing. After 9am we all breakfasted including the Dean who slept here and Mr S.Conroy. The latter went away after breakfast. Read in the Gipsies' Advocate.

At 10.45am we went down to prayers with Lehzen etc. The service was performed by the Dean who gave us likewise a sermon. Text Xth. of I Corinthians, verse 31st: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”. Wrote a letter to dear Feodore and one to Princess Sophia. Received on Friday from my beloved Lehzen, two beautiful little boxes of Tunbridge Ware inlaid in mosaic, which were her presents for Uncle Leopold's birthday and New Year. They are very lovely. Received this morning from V. Conroy a very pretty work-basket, the lid of which is embroidered by herself. Walked. Drew myself. Wrote the journal of my books. At 4.30pm we all and my dear Lehzen went down to prayers, which were read by the Dean. Wrote my journal.

I awoke at 7am and got up after 8am. Felt much better. Breakfasted in my own room at 9.30am.

Unpacked and arranged things almost the whole morning. My rooms are so nice, and so cheerful and airy. I received a very kind letter from dearest Uncle Leopold with a Historical Note. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold. Arranged things. Saw Dr.Clark. Played on the piano. I quite forgot to mention that when on Sunday I walked for the last time on my favourite nice Portsmouth road, that I still beheld the litter of straw which was the only vestige of our poor good Gipsy friends who will never, never be forgotten. Aunt Sarah, Eliza Cooper, old Mary Cooper, the poor dear little baby, the host of children, and the two other sisters-in-law, are quite present in my mind; I can see and hear them!

Wrote my journal. Read to Lehzen out of Cinna. Walked. Read to Lehzen again out of Cinna. Read in Clive's life while my hair was doing. At 6.30pm we dined. After dinner came Princess Sophia. Played and sung with Mamma. Stayed up till 10pm.

Note: The above journal entry is the last in which Victoria mentions the Coopers, yet as you can tell from her written word, they left a lasting impression upon her person ...